Winter Stay-cation Destinations

The January blahs are the worst. Don’t let cabin fever destroy all the goodwill you and your kids built up over the holidays. This weekend is Little Chippers at Louise Louise (check out what that’s really like here), and there are many luscious lodges outside of Calgary to help you fall in love with winter all over again. Here are some of my favourites.

For Active Families

(Credit Delta Hotels)

There’s so much going on at Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, they publish an activity guide so you can map out your weekend. Should you feel the need to break away, both Nakiska and Pocaterra are close by for skiing, and there’s always ice skating on the pond – best enjoyed with the whipped cream topped hot chocolate staff bring out.

Contact: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis Village;1-888-890-3222

For Dino Fans

Summer in the Badlands is plenty hot, so our family prefers to schedule our encounters with T-Rex and other jurassic giants at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in winter. At the Ramada Inns & Suites, you can fuel up on free breakfast then plunge into the water-slide and hot tub, before hitting the exhibits.

Contact: 680 2 St., Drumheller; 403-823-2028

Spacious Living

Condo suites at Blackstone Mountain Lodge allow everyone to get proper rest, plus mom can get pampered with on-site Verde Spa services, while the rest of the family relaxes in the heated outdoor pool.

Contact: 170 Kananaskis Way, Canmore; 403-609-8098;

Winter Wonderland

(Credit: Tourism Banff Lake Louise)

You’ll find a surreal winter garden with ice sculptures flanking the famous lake at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You won’t find a nicer place to skate – especially when wood burning fires and an ice bar are nearby. Warm up under a cosy blanket on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or rent toboggans and cross country skis to get the adrenalin going.

Contact: 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise; 403-522-3511

Tops for Tots

With a two-storey indoor playground, two water slides, and free shuttles into downtown Banff, Douglas Fir Resort remains one of the most popular family hotels in the rockies. All units have full kitchens and many have separate bedrooms, making it an ideal choice for large broods.

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